An aerial view of the top floor of "Deep Pit Hotel" in Sheshan, Shanghai. The top floor at ground level features a rooftop covered in lush green flora and fauna, blending seamlessly into the surrounding area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The hotel is part of a wave of ambitious architectural projects in China spurred by recent rapid economic growth. It was designed by the British design firm Atkins, the same company behind one of the world's most luxurious hotels, the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, and built by Chinese companies.

It has been nominated as one of the architectural wonders of the world by the National Geographic Channel's MegaStructures series.

The hotel is located at Sheshan, just 30km from Hongqiao Airport and close to attractions including Sheshan National Park and Chenshan Botanic Garden.